EDR2 vs HDS3
Since I'm finally feeling better, and have been all talk about the EDR2 since I got them with very little actual information dropped, I figured now would be a good time to compare them with the HDS3 which I have also put a lot of ear time into recently. So, here we go:
I have enjoyed my time with the HDS3, but I feel that the EDR2 is a step above in every way. The HDS3 has an airy, slightly thin presentation, especially when coming from the HDS1 which was somewhat intimate and occasionally thick sounding. The EDR2 is just as airy sounding, but it has much better separation and clarity. The HDS3 sounds a little claustrophobic when a/bing them since sounds lack their own distinct space. While the HDS3 tones down the midbass bloat the HDS1 could occasionally exhibit, it still sounds a bit midbassy compared to the EDR2. It is also the more v-shaped of the two and vocals, especially female, do not come across as clear as they do on the EDR2. The HDS3 exhibits some hollowness in it's bass slam, and doesn't dig into the same subbass regions of the EDR2. The HDS3 also isn't as natural sounding as the EDR2. For some reason the HDS3 comes across to me as being slightly incoherent, possibly due to an oddly boosted lower midrange, and as a result I still think even the HDS1 is the better iem.
The EDR2 isn't a v-shaped bass monster. In fact, I would almost go so far as to call it the most balanced KZ to date. It does exhibit a mild boost to the subbass regions and treble, but they are minor. They lean towards being slightly warm sounding. Where the EDR2 impresses me most is in it's clarity and detail, and it's ability to move sound around accurately. These are areas where only the ANV come close, with the EDR2 most clearly besting it in soundstage presentation.
Also to note, when using the EDR2 or HDS3 for calls (no mic on the EDR2, used just for improved listening), voices comes across miles more clear on the EDR2. They sound very thin and brittle through the HDS3 which I found a little disconcerting. On the plus side, the in-line mic and control setup on the HDS3 is really convenient and works excellently with my HTC One M8. I would love to see KZ carry it over to other models.
In summary, if I had to choose between the two I would take the EDR2 hands down. It costs less and sounds better, though you do end up giving up the in-line mic of the HDS3 which I really like. The HDS3 is a good iem, but I feel it lags behind the best of recent KZs (that I've tried) in sound quality; ie. EDR2, ED9, ED4, HDS1, ED3c "The Acme" (and the ANV, which is an oldie but a goodie).
- B9